tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81329654119784081932017-09-10T11:35:39.699-07:00Merely CrochetThis is a blog about crochet.merf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-68419041922512253052013-10-23T22:50:00.000-07:002013-10-23T22:50:58.800-07:00Holiday SeasonHello. :) <br><br><br>It's been quite a long time since I've been around here... Honestly I hadn't been doing much crocheting. Started learning to sew a bit which is super fun! But now that the craft season is upon us I'm going to be sharing my progress. I'm going to be in a craft fair for the first time in December and right now I'm working on making teddy bears similar to the <a href="http://merelycrochet.blogspot.com/2012/09/friday-review-serenity-yarn-plus-winter.html">winter bear</a> i made last September. Here are a few pictures and descriptions: <br><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/cocoafront.jpg"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/cocoafront.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Cocoa Bear"/></a><br><br>Say hello to Cocoa! Christmas is his favorite time of year because it's when he can share the drink of his namesake with his best friend Marshmallow! Together they make the perfect pair. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/cocoaside.jpg"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/cocoaside.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Cocoa Bear"/></a><br><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/marshmallowfront.jpg"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/marshmallowfront.jpg" border="0" width="565" alt="Marshmallow Bear"/></a><br><br>Say hello to Marshmallow! She adds that special something to any occasion and according to Cocoa, he wouldn't be the same without her, his best friend! <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/marshmallowside.jpg"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/marshmallowside.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Marshmallow Bear"/></a><br><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/peppermintfront.jpg"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/peppermintfront.jpg" width="565"border="0" alt="Peppermint Bear"/></a><br><br>Say hello to Peppermint! This spicy girl is the sweeter half of the mint twins. Her and her brother Spearmint love everything about Christmas and make life festive where ever they go! <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/peppermintside.jpg"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/peppermintside.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Peppermint Bear"/></a><br><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/spearmintfront.jpg"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/spearmintfront.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Spearmint Bear"/></a><br><br>Say hello to Spearmint! Strong and soft at the same time; Spearmint is the twin brother to Peppermint. He loves to spread Christmas cheer with is sister all season long! <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/spearmintside.jpg"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/spearmintside.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Spearmint Bear"/></a><br><br><br>So there ya go! I'm hoping to make 24 of these guys in time for the fair, along with some other crafty things. A few of those other things will also be crocheted so I'll add those here when I get around to making them... In the mean time, Happy Halloween! <br><br>-merelymerf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-60511875156127841952013-02-21T18:20:00.001-08:002013-10-24T14:44:43.157-07:00Fisherman's Ring Walkthrough<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/fishermansringwalkthrough.jpg" border="0" width="565" alt="fisherman's ring walkthrough"/><br><br>Hello everybody, it's been a while... I've had a request to go through the steps for the motif called <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20050227011235/http://hometown.aol.com/lffunt/fisher.htm">The Fisherman's Ring</a>, so that's what I've got today. I had made one of these before I started this blog and so my <a href="http://merelycrochet.blogspot.com/2012/08/motif-monday-fishermans-ring.html">previous post</a> only has the finished pictures. I remember that back when I originally made this that the pattern was confusing and weird and after going through it again, I have a couple alterations, so let's get started! <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0937.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0937.jpg" border="0" width="565" alt="Starter Chain"/></a><br><br>This is the starter chain, easy enough. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0988.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0988.jpg" border="0" width="565" alt="Round One"/></a><br><br>Ok, so here was the first change I made. I followed the instructions and kept coming up short, so instead of chaining 3 and the doing 15 double crochets, I only did 13. I'm not sure why that worked, because the math doesn't really make sense, but what can I say? If you're having trouble, just give this a try. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0989.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0989.jpg" border="0" width="565" alt="Round Two"/></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0990.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0990.jpg" border="0" width="565" alt="Round Two"/></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0991.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0991.jpg" border="0" width="565" alt="Round Two"/></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0992.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0992.jpg" border="0" width="565" alt="Round Two"/></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0993.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0993.jpg" border="0" width="565" alt="Round Two"/></a><br><br>The last five pictures are all from round two. The first two show you how it starts, and the third and fourth are pictures of the last cable and how to finish it off. You have to go in front of the first cable. And the last picture is what it looks like finished. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0994.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0994.jpg" border="0" width="565" alt="Round Three"/></a><br><br>On the third round it tells you to single crochet at the base of the next cable, in this picture you can see three spaces between the chain and my finger, the base is the middle one (I think, at least that's where I sc'd on mine). <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0995.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0995.jpg" border="0" width="565" alt="Round Three"/></a><br><br>Finished front. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0996.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0996.jpg" border="0" width="565" alt="Round Three"/></a><br><br>Finished back. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0997.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0997.jpg" border="0" width="565" alt="Round Four"/></a>Round four, you should be at 40 stitches around at this point. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0998.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0998.jpg" border="0" width="565" alt="Round Five"/></a>Finished round five; the only thing I want to say about this is that I skipped a stitch on the last cable. you could do one stitch less on the round before, but I didn't want to go back again. I think it still looks ok. :) <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0999.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0999.jpg" border="0" width="565" alt="Round Six"/></a><br><br>Round six. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP1000.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP1000.jpg" border="0" width="565" alt="Round Six"/></a><br><br>This is a close up of the end of round six for anyone that might find the instructions confusing. Instead of chaining five you chain two and do a double crochet where you would normally put the slip stitch. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP1001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP1001.jpg" border="0" width="565" alt="Round Seven"/></a><br><br>Round seven, pretty simple. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP1002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP1002.jpg" border="0" width="565" alt="Round Eight"/></a><br><br>And finally, round eight! Also, pretty simple. <br><br>There you have it! If there's still any confusion, please feel free to ask. I would love to help with anything I can. This is a very lovely motif/square but I must say it's a bit of a pain. I really don't like crocheting into chains, it's so tedious. I love crocheting into chain <i>spaces</i> but that's different. Good luck! <br><br>-merelymerf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-51478730089044267742012-12-04T01:44:00.000-08:002013-10-24T14:45:03.469-07:00R2D2 Beanie<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/r2banner.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/><br><br>I know it's been quite a while since I've posted. Let's call it a mourning period... I'm not 100% yet, but I feel spirited enough to start my blog back up. I'm going to try something new this month, seeing as it's now December. I think most crafters would agree that this time of year is by far the busiest. Firstly because of all the gifts you want to make for friends and family (that you should have started much earlier). And secondly because of all the requests to make things from friends and family for them to give others. So this month I will be posting as things are finished and I'm starting with this R2D2 beanie! <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/2012-12-03163851.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/2012-12-03163851.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Front"/></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/2012-12-03164037.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/2012-12-03164037.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Back"/></a><br><br>This was a request from a friend's boyfriend's mother for an 8 year old nephew. It was my first time making such a detailed beanie but I think it turned out pretty great. Of course, I love Star Wars so I'm already jealous of this kid. Maybe after Christmas I can make one for myself! <br><br>The pattern which I based this on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/star-wars-droid-beanies">can be found here</a>. I strayed a little from the directions, but they're a little loose anyway. <br><br>Have a very crafty holiday season! I hope to be posting again soon! <br><br>-merelymerf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-24004665949862320642012-11-13T01:18:00.001-08:002012-11-13T01:18:28.282-08:00RIP Squishysorry i haven't been posting. i buried my cat today... haven't felt much like doing anything. she was going to be 13 next week. she was with me for half my life. i ache thinking of her in the cold ground. it was a rough battle with lymphoma cancer to which she succumbed gracefully. she was the sweetest kitty i've ever known. loving without being needy, playful without being mean, cute and beautiful at the same time. she loved to cuddle and always blessed me when i sneezed (seriously, she'd meow every time). she was with me through the hardest times in my life. she was with me as i struggled through high school. she was with me when i moved away from home for the first time. she was with me when i first picked up a crochet hook (and yarn was her favorite toy ever since). she was definitely the most important thing in my life and i wish there had been more i could have done for her... <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/ccd9.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/ccd9.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Boston"/></a><br><br>Rest in peace, Boston. I love you forever.merf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-42713165865405985852012-11-05T19:15:00.000-08:002012-11-05T19:15:07.125-08:00No-tif MondayI was working on my motif for today and I totally failed. Some how I ended up with too many loops! I'm not sure if it was me or the pattern or what, but I'll deal with it tomorrow. I'll either be fixing it or doing a completely new one... we'll see. <br><br>I would have tried harder today, but I think I caught a cold from my dad... bleh... <br><br>-merelymerf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-48838384849171189762012-10-31T13:49:00.000-07:002013-02-22T01:45:14.324-08:00Wednesday Update: Bamboo Purse Finished!<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/bamboopurse.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Bamboo Purse">Happy Halloween! I finished my bamboo purse last night. Of course it was last minute! My original plan for today was going to be another free pattern, but things have been to crazy around here. I think I'll save it for later. Here's the purse: <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0910.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0910.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Bamboo Purse"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0912.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0912.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Bamboo Purse"></a><rb><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0914.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0914.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Bamboo Purse"></a><br><br>My plan for this seemed simple but pulling it off was harder than I thought. The actual pocket part of the purse doesn't look like much, but it probably took the longest. I lined the inside with felt and a thin plastic to give it some stability, but getting it to fit right was complicated. It will serve its purpose though, so I'm happy with it. Have a fun night, and play safe! <br><br>-merelymerf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-34229280183482553502012-10-29T16:43:00.000-07:002012-10-29T16:43:04.432-07:00Motif Monday: Mount Vernon Square<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/mountvernonsquare.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Mount Vernon Square"><br><br>Hello blog, it's been a while. My cat is doing better, but not great. My sadness has left me unmotivated, but I need to get my mind off things so I've decided it's for the best if I continue to post. Sorry to be a downer... bleh... <br><br>So anyway, this weeks motif was not especially difficult except that the pattern is written weird. <a href="http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/mount_vernon/mount_vernon_2.html">Here's the link!</a> I had kind of a hard time following it, but I managed to work it out. Maybe seeing the steps will help you if you try to make one; here are the pics: <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0896.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0896.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row One"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0898.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0898.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Two"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0900.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0900.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Three"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0902.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0902.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Four"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0903.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0903.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Five"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0905.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0905.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Six"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0907.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0907.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Seven"></a><br><br>I tried something new with my background; instead of my normal blah brown carpet, I got this fabric remnant with pretty blue flowers. Does it look better? I know I need to iron it, but other than that, I think it's a step in the right direction. I hope one day to get a proper light to help make my photos a bit better. I hope you have a spooky, fun Halloween week! <br><br>-merely <br><br>P.S. I'd appreciate any religious readers to pray for my kitty, I fear the worst.merf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-15646457922070108182012-10-19T23:35:00.002-07:002012-10-19T23:35:24.911-07:00fyi fridayi haven't been posting lately because my kitty is really sick and i'm dealing with that. i'm hoping to get things back to normal by next week. sorry :(merf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-64733709204869513082012-10-15T23:31:00.000-07:002012-10-15T23:31:36.551-07:00Motif Monday: Crown Jewels<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/crownjewelsmotif.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Crown Jewels Motif"><br><br>It seems that this might actually end up a Tuesday post. I was out of town today (as it seems I am a lot on Mondays) and I tried to crochet this motif while I was gone, but I didn't quite succeed. Half of it is from my sister's house and the other half was after I got home (hence the bad pictures taken in the dark). Here it is!: <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0875.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0875.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row One"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0877.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0877.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Two"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0879.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0879.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Three"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0882.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0882.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Four"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0883.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0883.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Five"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0886.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0886.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Six"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0889.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0889.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Seven"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0890.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0890.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Eight"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0893.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0893.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Nine"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0895.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0895.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Ten"></a><br><br>I don't recommend doing this motif unless you absolutely-I'm-gonna-die-love it because the pattern is really annoying. Firstly, it's not done all in one go, I had to tie off and start again twice, so it's really three parts. Secondly, it's not evenly spaced and my OCD was freaking out. I tried to even it a little, but it's still irking me. It is pretty though and when it's all done you can't tell it has those issues anyway. But it's also more solid that I usually like; I really prefer the lacier looking ones. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crown-jewels---12-square">Here's a link to the pattern</a> if you wanna give it a go! Have a nice week! <br><br>-merelymerf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-76323688456749811052012-10-14T17:57:00.000-07:002012-10-14T17:57:34.464-07:00Bonus Sunday: Free Bamboo Pattern!<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/bamboopattern.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Bamboo Pattern"><br><br>Last week I said I would have a free pattern for you... so did you get the clue? Panda, bamboo. I guess it wasn't a great hint. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0874.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0874.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Panda Hat and Bamboo"></a><br><br>This is my first real pattern, I hope you like it! I made three different sizes, the one i have to share is the largest, but I'll tell you how to adjust it for other sizes. I'm going to be using these to fashion a purse together for my panda costume. I'll have pictures when it's finished, but for now here's the pattern: <br><br>The yarn I used is Vanna's Choice in Kelly Green and Fern, it calls for a "J" hook so that's what these patterns are for (though a smaller gauge would probably still look nice). <br><br><b>Row 1: </b>Start with a “magic ring” (<a href="http://www.planetjune.com/blog/tutorials/magic-ring-right-handed/">here’s a link to a site</a> that will show you how, if you don’t already know). Only chain once and then SC 7 then slip stitch into the first chain. <br><b>Row 2: </b>Chain 1, SC into the same spot. SC 2 into each stitch all the way around. Slip stitch into beginning chain. <br><b>Row 3: </b>Chain 1. SC 2 into next stitch. *SC 1, then SC 2 into the same stitch* repeat* 6 times. Slip stitch into beginning chain. Tie off. <br><br>You will need two of these. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0838.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0838.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Ends"></a><br><br><b>Base: </b> Chain 24. <br><b>Row 1: </b>Slip stitch into first chain, chain 1. SC 23. Slip stitch into beginning chain. <br><b>Row 2: </b>Chain 1. SC 5, decrease 1. *SC 6. decrease 1* repeat* once. (you should now have 21 instead of 24) Slip stitch into beginning chain. <br><b>Row 3: </b>Chain 1, SC 4, decrease 1. *SC 5, decrease 1* repeat* once. (you should now have 18 instead of 21) Slip stitch into beginning chain. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0839.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0839.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Rows 1-4"></a><br><br><b>row 4-10: </b>Chain 1, SC 17, Slip stitch into beginning chain. (repeat) <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0847.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0847.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Rows 1-10"></a><br><br>After row 4 I added on the first end, you don't need to do that know though. To attach the first end I put a slip knot on my hook then put it through the bottom of the base chain and front loop of the stitches around the end. That sounds a little confusing so here's a picture: <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0844.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0844.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="First Ending"></a><br><br>Then you just single crochet all the way around; make sure you're going through the right loops. At the end I SC into the first stitch again, I just think it looks better that way. After that I tied the two ends together (double knot). The reason you only go through the front loop is because I think it gives it this nice ring: <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0845.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0845.jpg" width=565" border="0" alt="End Ring"></a><br><br>Ok, now back to the pattern... <br><br><b>Row 11: </b>Chain 1, SC 4, increase 1. *SC 5, increase 1* repeat* once. (you should now have 21 instead of 18) Slip stitch into beginning chain. <br><b>Row 12: </b>Chain 1. SC 5, increase 1. *SC 6. increase 1* repeat* once. (you should now have 21 instead of 24) Slip stitch into beginning chain. <br><b>Row 13: </b>Chain 1, SC 23. Slip stitch into beginning chain. <br><b>Row 14: </b>Chain 1. SC 5, decrease 1. *SC 6. decrease 1* repeat* once. (you should now have 21 instead of 24) Slip stitch into beginning chain. <br><b>Row 15: </b>Chain 1, SC 4, decrease 1. *SC 5, decrease 1* repeat* once. (you should now have 18 instead of 21) Slip stitch into beginning chain. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0850.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0850.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Rows 7-15"></a><br><br>At this point you will need to do the first ring around. You could do it at the end, but I find that it's easier to do now. It's similar to how you attach the end, here's a picture of how to insert your hook: <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0852.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0852.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Ring Hook"></a><br><br>You're basically going to be covering up row 13 with single crochets. Here's a picture with a few on: <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0856.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0856.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Ring Stitches"></a><br><br>These rings are the reason this pattern is so annoying. What do I mean by annoying? Well, normally with a project like this I would just spiral up instead of all this "slip stitch into chain, chain one" nonsense. But if I did just spiral, the rings wouldn't match up and it would look weird, so the annoyingness wins. Back to the pattern! <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0858.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0858.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row 1-15 with Ring"></a><br><br>At this point its kind of all the same. <br><br><b>Row 16-22: </b>Chain 1, SC 17, Slip stitch into beginning chain. (repeat) <br><b>Row 23: </b>Chain 1, SC 4, increase 1. *SC 5, increase 1* repeat* once. (you should now have 21 instead of 18) Slip stitch into beginning chain. <br><b>Row 24: </b>Chain 1. SC 5, increase 1. *SC 6. increase 1* repeat* once. (you should now have 21 instead of 24) Slip stitch into beginning chain. <br><b>Row 25: </b>Chain 1, SC 23. Slip stitch into beginning chain. <br><b>Row 26: </b>Chain 1. SC 5, decrease 1. *SC 6. decrease 1* repeat* once. (you should now have 21 instead of 24) Slip stitch into beginning chain. <br><b>Row 27: </b>Chain 1, SC 4, decrease 1. *SC 5, decrease 1* repeat* once. (you should now have 18 instead of 21) Slip stitch into beginning chain. <br><br>Do the second ring around row 25 <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0859.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0859.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Second Ring"></a><br><br><b>Row 28-34: </b>Chain 1, SC 17, Slip stitch into beginning chain. (repeat) <br><b>Row 35: </b>Chain 1, SC 4, increase 1. *SC 5, increase 1* repeat* once. (you should now have 21 instead of 18) Slip stitch into beginning chain. <br><b>Row 36: </b>Chain 1. SC 5, increase 1. *SC 6. increase 1* repeat* once. (you should now have 21 instead of 24) Slip stitch into beginning chain. <br><b>Row 37: </b>Chain 1, SC 23. Slip stitch into beginning chain. Tie off. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0863.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0863.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Length"></a><br><br>Next add the stuffing. I used very little compared to other projects, only enough to keep its shape. Crochet on the end, it's a bit different than the other end, here's a pic: <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0864.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0864.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="End!"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0866.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0866.jpg" width="565"border="0" alt="Finito"></a><br><br>Then the last thing to do is hide the ends of your yarn. I just put them inside with the stuffing using a yarn needle. And if you want to do different sizing like I have, the only difference is the amount of rows in between the bumps, so play around with it. No bamboo is exactly alike. <br><br>I hope you like this pattern. I included a lot of pictures because that's the way I prefer to have patterns; I think it helps me to not get lost. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0871.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0871.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Tops"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0868.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0868.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Trio"></a><br><br>Please let me know if I messed anything up, as this is my first pattern, I'm sure I did. I would also love to see any pictures of ones you make, so please share! <br><br>-merelymerf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-21491684231148953432012-10-12T15:47:00.001-07:002012-10-12T15:47:44.248-07:00Friday Review: Red Heart Soft Yarn<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/redheartsoft.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Red Heart Soft"><br><br>Red Heart Soft is one of those "go-to" yarns for me. They have a lot of colors, which is great, and it's a good size for most projects. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0831.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0831.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Red Heart Soft"></a><br><br>This yarn seems especially shiny which can work for or against you, depending on what you're making. The only thing I don't like about this yarn is that it's really easy to get your hook through the strands. There are quite a few yarns out there that I have this problem with, but this one has shone me to be the worst. That's just a small problem though. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0834.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0834.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Red Heart Soft"></a><br><br>It also holds up to its namesake and is pretty soft. All in all, this is a good yarn for the price and I will continue to buy it. If you like these colors the yellowish one is called Honey and the tan one is Wheat. <br><br>And here is a preview of my Halloween costume and also a clue to my first free pattern, coming up next week! <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0835.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0835.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Panda Beanie"></a><br><br>I'm excited for Halloween, it's such a great time of year to be crafty! I hope you all have a fun weekend! <br><br>-merelymerf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-63615870671440058592012-10-10T18:13:00.000-07:002012-10-10T18:13:20.509-07:00WIP Wednesday: Dissectible Frog<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/dissectiblefrog.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Dissectible Frog"><br><br>This little guy was supposed to be a birthday present for a friend LAST May... Oops... I ran out of time before the birthday so I gave up, but I think he should be finished because it's a fun idea. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0826.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0826.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Dissectible Frog"></a><br><br>I have a zipper to put in his stomach and then I'm going to fill him with little crocheted organs! It's going to be awesome. Here's some close ups (sorry the pics aren't great, I had trouble with lighting): <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0827.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0827.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Dissectible Frog"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0828.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0828.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Dissectible Frog"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0829.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0829.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Dissectible Frog"></a><br><br>I sort of think I made the head too small so I might redo that, but otherwise I think it's a cool concept. We'll see if I can pull it off though. Till next time! <br><br>-merelymerf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-90919849006643644292012-10-06T01:17:00.003-07:002012-10-06T01:17:44.368-07:00Eek!I forgot to let you know, I'm out of town till Tuesday and I won't be able to post. Don't miss me too much! <br><br>-merelymerf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-77701420898792902322012-10-03T14:19:00.001-07:002012-10-03T14:19:55.163-07:00WIP Wednesday: Cascade's Kid Seta Lace Shawl<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/LaceShawl.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Kid Seta Lace Shawl"><br><br>This is a shawl that I started working on the week of July 4th. I took it on vacation with me to Oregon and haven't touched it since. Whenever I make anything, my sister always says she wants it, so this is for my sister. <br><br><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/?action=view&amp;current=IMGP0825.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0825.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Shawl"></a><br><br><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/?action=view&amp;current=IMGP0824.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0824.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Close Up"></a><br><br><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/?action=view&amp;current=IMGP0820.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0820.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Closer Up"></a><br><br>The Cascade Yarn website has a pdf with this pattern for free, <a href="http://www.cascadeyarns.com/patterns_KidSeta.asp">here's a link</a>; there are a few others there as well. I'm using Vanna's Choice in Dusty Blue which is not the yarn it calls for, obviously, because that's a Lion Brand Product but it was something I already had. <br><br><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/?action=view&amp;current=IMGP0821.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0821.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Vanna's Choice in Dusty Blue"></a><br><br>I think because this was a project I started specifically to fill time while travelling it's caused me to not feel compelled to work on it. Also, here in southern California it's still summer weather and no one needs a shawl yet. <br><br>On a side note, my room is infested with ants! I hate ants... it makes me angry to have to deal with them. Almost every room of my house has been invaded at some point this summer and I'm tired of it. I was going to take a picture to share but nobody wants to see that! Anyway... enjoy the rest of your week! <br><br>-merelymerf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-83475355096503667002012-10-01T15:17:00.001-07:002012-10-01T15:17:56.041-07:00Motif Monday: Freesia Square<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/freesiasquare.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Freesia Square"><br><br>This Monday's square is pretty simple; just chains, single crochets, double crochets, and slip stitches. Nothing fancy, but it comes out looking pretty frilly. I love it. Here's the step by step: <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0803.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0803.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row One"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0806.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0806.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Two"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0808.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0808.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Three"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0811.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0811.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Four"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0813.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0813.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Five"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0815.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0815.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Six"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0817.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0817.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Seven"></a><br><br>It's pretty, right? I'd link you to the author's blog, but none of her photos work and I'm not sure it get updated anymore, so here's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/freesia-square">a link to the Ravelry page</a>. I kind of like it the way it is before the last row, but it really squares it off. In the instructions the last row is slightly vague, so what I did was on the third sc in the corner I sc 1 then ch 2 then sc another in the same sc in the corner. Do what you like, but that's how mine is done. That's all I've got today, I hope you have a great week! <br><br>-merelymerf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-763062913809723662012-09-28T17:28:00.000-07:002012-09-28T17:28:19.419-07:00Friday Review: Bernat Cotton Twists<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/CottonTwists.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Cotton Twists"><br><br>I'm realizing now that I buy a lot of Bernat yarn... I never noticed until I started writing things down on here. Anyway, this is the first 100% cotton yarn that I've used and I have to say, it takes some getting used to. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0786.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0786.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Cotton Twists"></a><br><br>The blue one is what I used to make my seahorse on Moday; it's called Mod Twists, but I'm not sure why. The others are called Rose Twists and Barnboard Twists whose names seems a little more obvious. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0789.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0789.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Cotton Twists"></a><br><br>Working with cotton seems stiff and uncomfortable but I think I just need to find the right projects for it. Also I think that other brands might be better, I've heard Sugar'n Cream is really nice to work with, so I'll pick up some of those next time. Have a fun weekend! <br><br>-merelymerf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-58207871144151206472012-09-26T15:23:00.000-07:002012-09-26T15:23:59.880-07:00WIP Wednesday: Triceratops Beanie<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/triceratopsbeanie.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Photobucket"><br><br>Hello all, happy Wednesday! Today's work in progress is a version of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/worsted-weight-triceratops-hat">Micah York's Triceratops Hat</a>. I'm sure mine would look better if I had paid for the pattern, but times being such as they are, I can't afford things like that. Here are some pictures: <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0797.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0797.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Triceratops Face"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0799.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0799.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Triceratops Body/Hat"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0800.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0800.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Triceratops"></a><br><br>I tried to make the eyes a little more cutesy, but I'm not sure that I pulled it off. The ear flaps are squared off to make them look more like legs. I'm debating adding a tail, thoughts? As you can see, all that's really left is the horns and then attaching the two pieces. I'm not sure why I put this off... maybe I don't like when projects are over... or maybe I'm lazy! Or maybe it's the A.D.D. (I wish that were a joke)? Right now I'm focusing more time onto my giant blanket, there's a lot of work to be done there. Here's an update: <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0801.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0801.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Granny Stripe Blanket"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0802.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0802.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Starts"></a><br><br>I haven't done a large amount since my first WIP post. I had to start beginning rows in the middle because some colors ran out. It's not super noticeable and I kind of like it being imperfect. Not sure why though! I told you last time that I would have a pattern for you, but I'm really not good at that so here's <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2010/05/granny-striping.html">a link to someone else's</a>! I hope the rest of your week is wonderful! <br><br>-merely merf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-60229619072109621572012-09-24T16:46:00.000-07:002012-09-24T16:46:01.823-07:00Motif Monday: Seahorse Motif and Chinami Horiba<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/seahorsemotif.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Seahorse Motif"><br><br>Today's motif is a bit different from past Mondays because it's an animal! Things were getting boring doing a square every week so I decided to branch out. I took pictures of a few of the steps and also some close-ups. I'm going to post those all first and then I'll talk about the awesomeness of this motif and the designer, Chinami Horiba. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0790.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0790.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Seahorse Motif"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0791.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0791.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Seahorse Motif"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0792.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0792.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Seahorse Motif"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0793.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0793.jpg" border="0" alt="Seahorse Motif"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0794.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0794.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Seahorse Motif"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0795.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0795.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Seahorse Motif"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0796.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0796.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Seahorse Motif"></a><br><br>Pretty neat, right? You should see how the designer intended it to look. I used a much thicker yarn than called for, so <a href="http://chisako3.exblog.jp/14566970/">here's a link to her blog post about it</a>. It's in Japanese so you may not be able to read it. Google does a translation for you, but it's not that great. The cool thing is she does diagrams so you don't need to know Japanese to make her motifs. Here's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/chisako3">a link to her Facebook page</a> and here's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/chinami-horiba">a link to her Ravelry page</a>. Chinami is a genius when it comes to yarn. She always seems to have every aspect in mind; texture, flow, and even sunlight. I wish I spoke Japanese so I could tell her how amazing I think her designs are. I hope you decide to check them out and make a few for yourself. <br><br>-merely merf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-32506762525190344182012-09-21T17:57:00.001-07:002012-09-21T17:57:54.701-07:00Friday Review: Serenity Yarn Plus The Winter Bear<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/bearandyarn_zpsb652931e.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Photobucket"><br><br>Today I'm going to talk about two things: A yarn I used for the first time and the bear I used it on. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0785_zpsb08e1385.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0785_zpsb08e1385.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Winter Bear and Yarn"></a><br><br>This yarn is from the Deborah Norville Collection, it's called Serenity Chunky Weight, and this color is called Seven Seas. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0784_zpsfe07b7ea.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0784_zpsfe07b7ea.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Seven Seas"></a><br><br>I originally bought it as a candidate to become my bike seat cover but it was too blue. I like this yarn because it's soft and chunky yarns make projects go really fast. It is, however, somewhat frustrating because it's loosely spun and it's easy to get your hook in the wrong place. Other than that, I think it's great! I used it to make the hat and scarf for my winter time bear. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0777_zps5dc15216.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0777_zps5dc15216.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Winter Bear"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0776_zpsb8ae6220.jp" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0776_zpsb8ae6220.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Winter Bear"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0779_zpsf76a4435.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0779_zpsf76a4435.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Winter Bear"></a><br><br>There he is! I think he turned out pretty cute. I plan to make three more and then open a store on Etsy to sell them. I'm still nervous about it, but I'm feeling more comfortable with the prices I have in mind. I'll just try to think of it as a new adventure and maybe it'll seem fun instead of scary! Have a great weekend! <br><br>-merelymerf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-53550796857484194832012-09-19T14:57:00.000-07:002012-09-19T14:57:48.913-07:00WIP Wednesday: Christmas Bear<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/Christmas%20Bear_zps1a0b1424.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Christmas Bear"><br><br>Ain't he cute! I'm so in love with this bear! I made him with the Pipsqueak yarn and he's so soft! I'm hoping to have my Etsy debut with four of these guys. They'll have little Christmas scarves too. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0771_zps974858b1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0771_zps974858b1.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Bear"></a><br><br>I decided on scarves because I remember when I was a kid, I hated it when you couldn't make your seasonal stuffed animals into year-round ones. I ruined many a teddy trying... <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0772_zpsa0cc1877.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0772_zpsa0cc1877.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Bear"></a><br><br>He's about 9 1/2 inches tall and he was almost one complete skein except for one arm... which is kinda frustrating but whatever! I'm nervous about selling stuff online and I have no idea how to price things, but if I mark it too high I can always lower the price later, I guess. Blerg! <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0774_zps9bdca672.jp" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0774_zps9bdca672.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Tail!"></a><br><br>My favorite is his cute little tail! I can't wait till he's finished! <br><br>-merelymerf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-90592435079229406642012-09-18T14:47:00.001-07:002012-09-18T14:47:59.606-07:00Motif Monday (Tuesday): Carnation Motif<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/CarnationMotif.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Photobucket"><br><br>Today I've done a motif out of a book I have. All together I own three crochet books and I hardly use any of them, but this one is probably the one I've used the most. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0770.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0770.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Knitting and Crochet Stitches"></a><br><br>It has a lot of different stuff in it; it teaches you basic stitches but has some advanced stuff too. At the end of the book there's a handful of motifs and that's where I found mine. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0759.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0759.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Carnation"></a><br><br>In doing this motif I learned two new stitches! Stitches that I probably should have learned a long time ago; the popcorn stitch and the picot. Both used in the same row and yeah... that was the hardest row for me. If you already know these stitches this motif should be super easy. I can't exactly share it with you 'cause I don't want to get in trouble, but here's a picture of each row as I worked them (please ignore the cat fur): <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0760.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0760.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row One"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0761.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0761.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Two"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0763.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0763.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Three"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0765.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0765.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Four"></a><br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0766.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0766.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Row Five"></a><br><br>And there it is! I made a few mistakes, I can tell, but for a couples of firsts, I think it's ok. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0767.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0767.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Finished"></a><br><br>Tomorrow I'll be sharing something fun and fuzzy, I can't wait! <br><br>-merelymerf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-81388124394925603652012-09-17T13:30:00.001-07:002012-09-17T13:30:05.074-07:00Manic Monday<div><p>I'm on the road today so I don't think I'll be able to do a post till tomorrow. I'm using my blogger app for the first time.Seems pretty handy.</p><p>-merely</p></div>merf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-40435598812111968832012-09-15T16:35:00.001-07:002013-02-22T02:00:27.616-08:00PREview Friday (Saturday): New Sewing Machine!<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/sewingmachine.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Sewing Machine"><br><br>So today instead of a review I just wanted to share the new addition to my craft resource family. It's a sewing machine! I have no idea how to use it, but it was like 50% off, so I thought it would be a good time to learn. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0754.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0754.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Sewing Machine Box"></a><br><br>I haven't set it up yet because I need to get a table or something to put it on. I'm hoping to integrate sewing into my crochet projects as well as using it on it's own. I'm excited! <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/2012-09-132520185258.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/2012-09-132520185258.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Union Jack Pillow (Sepia)"></a><br><br>This is the "sepia" version of the Union Jack pillow I made for my sister. I'm not sure it's exactly sepia, but these are the colors she picked out. I think it looks nice. Kind of like a vintage look, maybe? Here it is next to the original one: <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/2012-09-132520185508.jp" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/2012-09-132520185508.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Compared"></a><br><br>Have a nice weekend! <br><br>-merelymerf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-77942345097294480172012-09-14T23:01:00.002-07:002012-09-14T23:01:53.153-07:00Friday ReviewSorry friends, photobucket won't let me upload pics today, so you'll be getting Friday's post as soon as they let me. <br><br>-merelymerf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8132965411978408193.post-85433842776941800522012-09-12T15:48:00.001-07:002012-09-12T15:48:55.432-07:00WIP Wednesday: Poinsettia Scarf<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/pointsettiascarf.jpg" width=565" border="0" alt="Poinsettia Scarf"><br><br>This week I'm bring out a project that I started nearly a year ago. This poinsettia scarf was supposed to be a Christmas gift last year and I didn't finish it in time, which lead me to put it off... I'm not sure why, it isn't a particularly difficult project. The holiday season tends to bring about a lot more crochet work because handmade gifts are so special. Also, for me, because it's colder. I don't really like working on blankets in the summer, for obvious reasons! <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0746.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0746.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Poinsettia"></a><br><br>I could be persuaded to make a pattern for this if anyone ever shows some interest, but at this point I'm sort of playing it by ear. The gold beads will eventually make it into the center of each flower. Here in Ventura where I live (or used to live, but still tell everyone I live) the poinsettia is the official city flower. <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0748.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0748.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="Gold Beads"></a><br><br>I'm excited for the holiday season this year. I am most years, but this summer has been so hot! I can't wait for it to cool off, plus I love all of the flavors of autumn. I think in a few weeks I'll go apple picking with my parents to kick off the season! <br><br><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0752.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/naiveandchildish/Merely%20Crochet/IMGP0752.jpg" width="565" border="0" alt="You Had Me At Meow"></a><br><br>This is my bag of unfinished projects, so there's a lot to look forward to! Someday I'd like to organize them better, but for now it's all I can to do keep them out of my way! <br><br>-merelymerf tastichttps://plus.google.com/117049549016856505154noreply@blogger.com0